11. Fixation of vertebral fractures. Rehabilitation of spinal injuries

Question 1

What is the first type of fixation that should be done an a spinal injury patient?

Answer 1

Temporary fixation:
• Protect spine at all times during the management of patients with multiple injuries.
• whole spine should be immobilized in neutral position on a Srm surface.
• manually or with a combination of semi-rigid cervical collar, side head supports, long spine board and strapping.

Question 2

How can you position a spine injured patient to for example to get in and out of bed or to puke?

Answer 2

LOG ROLL

to maintain alignment of the spine while turning and moving the patient who has had spinal surgery or suspected or documented spinal injury.

Question 3

What is spondylodesis?

Answer 3

Surgical spinal fusion
of 2 or more vertebral bodies by internal fixation (rods, screws, plates)

Question 4

What are the types of minimally invasive spinal procedures?

Answer 4

Vertebroplasty: injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra for immediate stabilization
Kyphoplasty: reexpansion of the fracture through insertion of an inflatable balloon into the vertebral body and injection of bone cement

Question 5

What is the treatment of whiplash?

Answer 5

Uncomplicated distortion
* If necessary, short-term NSAIDs to treat muscular tension
* Active exercise treatment
In case of fractures or spinal cord lesions:
* surgery

mainly anterior longitudinal ligament which is stretched or tears

Question 6

What is the indication for conservative spinal injury?

Answer 6

stable fractures

Question 7

What does conservative treatment consist of in spinal injury?

Answer 7

• Pain medication
• Physical therapy
• External bracing and orthotics to maintain spinal alignment, promote healing, and control pain through immobilization for about 8–12 weeks